Hello Lovely Followers!
We have officially moved our blog to our updated website! We would love, love, love, it if our current followers would subscribe to our new blog located here: http://ecoluxestudios.com/blog/

We know that many of you are wordpress bloggers and we really enjoy your blog posts and will continue to follow along with you as well. As our fellow bloggers know, readers really do mean everything to us. We love your feedback and opinions so please join us on the next step of our journey.

To join us follow the link, you will see Follow Us! on the top of the right column, simply type your email address into the box, a feedburner pop-up will appear and prompt you to type in a code word to confirm your not a “robot” Its as simple as that!

Just like in fashion black never goes out of style. Clients tend to think using black in their interior will seem morbid, gothic, or make the room feel small or cave like. None of these things need to be true (though it certainly can be achieved if that is your goal.) Black is bold, can be modern, and always makes a statement.

These inspiration photos showcase the use of black in many creative ways. The black window frames add a historic look to a renovated kitchen. Black accent walls make a fabulous background for a gallery images or a collection of like items. Black furnishings, like a lush velvet sofa or large drum shade lighting add a touch of richness and luxury to a living room. Painting a built in bookshelf black allows the colorful book jackets to pop like art in a library. The black doors add a level of sophistication and grandeur to a rooms entrance. Doing black right mean picking the right shade, and sheen for your space, and layering the room with textures, patterns and lighting.

We love the thought of using black in residential and hospitality projects. The color is not limited to a certain design style and can be used in many areas of the home. Yes, using black is a daring choice but isn’t that part of what makes a great design? Would you use black in your own home or business? Let us know what you think in the comments!

]]>https://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/paint-it-black/feed/0ecoluxestudiosKitchen-with-black-walls-and-red-furniture5 Tips for Creating Drama in Your Spacehttps://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/1594/
https://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/1594/#respondSat, 29 Dec 2012 03:57:56 +0000http://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/?p=1594Read More]]>We always think that in a space there should be at least one item that makes a statement. It takes an alright space and turns it into awesomeness!
Here are 5 things that you can add to your space to create the drama that you want. However keep these items to 2 or so in the room. If you do too many things then it makes it all blend together as opposed to standing on its own.

1. Over-sized Accents – Placing large lamps, mirrors, pillows, and other accents will draw your eyes to this piece since it is out of scale. Pick a special piece, one that makes you smile because you want it to represent your style and personality.

2. Pops of Bright Color – A bright color splashed into the room always makes an impact. The way to achieve the desired look is to centralize the color in one area. It needs to be either a lot of the color in smaller items concentrated together OR one or 2 large color splashes.

3. Groupings – A collection of something, any interest you have really, displayed really becomes a true focal point and visual interest in the room. It can be a grouping of overhead lights, a collection of old cameras, anything you can think up! Be creative and highlight your personality.

4. Wallcovering – Yes we said it, better known to you as wallpaper. Wallcovering can add in amazing patterns, color, and art creating a huge statement. Many people detract from using this because of days gone by. Be bold and go for it! I guarantee you will love it.

5. Art – Art can add so much to a room and actually can encompass all the above tips. Be you, pick things you love and enjoy it. Pick over sized canvases in a minimum or group a few smaller ones together.

]]>https://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/1594/feed/0ecoluxestudiosDrama withOver-sized LightingMy dream home ;) Large Pop Of OrangeConcentrated ColorsrestaurantGrouping of LightingPhone Collectionvase-collectionCeramic CollectionFocal in BoutiqueContemporary WallcoveringFunctional and Coolmodern wallpaperModern Color and PatternRestaurant WallcoveringPicture-Framed DecorLarge Wall ArtLarge Art Painting over Sectional Large Focal PointGreen with Envyhttps://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/green-with-envy/
https://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/green-with-envy/#respondThu, 20 Dec 2012 03:42:50 +0000http://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/?p=1566Read More]]>Earlier this month my business partner (a.k.a. bestie) came to visit me in Denver. We were lazing around my studio and Elisa declared that she thought the new trend in design would be “Green.” We have an uncanny way of guessing trends before they happen so I said “Yup you are probably right.”

Just ONE day later we receive our monthly newsletter from Pantone only to see it announcing Green as the new pantone of the year for 2013! If only we could reach as many people as Pantone can, we totally would have beat them to the punch

So start enjoying the color green people because you will be seeing lots and lots of it. We actually predict that purple will take a strong supporting role in 2013 as well.

What are your predictions? Leave a comment and let us know. You can also find more design info and inspiration on our Facebook so click like!

Eco-friendly is what Ecoluxe is all about! Sometimes it can seem like interior design and sustainability are at odds with one another. In the same way it can be difficult to get all your Christmas shopping done while still being “green.” But we know the key to accomplishing both is pretty simple, all you have to know is where to find what your looking for!

– Buying from artists, artisansone of a kind or limited release items aren’t over produced, supports small businesses, passionate sellers, good customer service, very small if any negative environmental impact

– Buying items made from non-toxic materialscommon plastics release harmful chemicals into our air, foods, and drinks, plastics are a large source of pollution, most plastic items end up in the landfill (with a small portion being recycled)

– Just say no to the impulse buyNot buying an excess of stuff that is bound for the landfill is an important party of being eco-friendly

To purchase or check out any of the gifts below please copy and paste the gray caption into your browser.

What’s your favorite way to shop green? Do you try to keep it eco-friendly during the holidays? Share your favorite place to shop green or promote your own store in the comments! All our readers would love to hear from you.

I’m pretty much obsessed with “Christmas” lights, they come out during the holidays but there are plenty of other places to put them besides a tree! White lights create the perfect amount of soft ambient lighting and the twinkling has been shown to increase lively conversation. So bust out those lights and get decorating before your next party!

Light wallcovering

Here are just a few suggestions to get you started decorating with lights! If you live in a smaller space use a mirror to reflect the twinkling and bounce more light around the room. Create a romantic feel in your bedroom by adding a light “headboard”. Place a grouping of jars on a table and fill them with a string of lights. Decorate a whole wall by creating a pattern with the strings. You can even hang photos or cards from the string adding even more interest to your lights. Play around and have fun! You may come up with something so great you won’t even need to pack them away at the end of the season!

Don’t forget to look for eco-friendly LED lights! And follow, follow, follow, us! All we need is an email

When it comes to Christmas trees there are plenty of differing opinions on what’s best. Artificial, fresh cut, off the lot, or totally D.I.Y. There is a debate about what kind of tree is “best” but the truth is there is no definitive answer. When it comes to Christmas trees we say “to each their own!”
If you still haven’t decided which type of tree is right for you reading through the info below may help you solidify your decision. Then comes the best part – decorating!

Artificial Tree:

Pros:
Artificial trees have an approximate shelf life of 6 years (some last much longer)
They are less likely than real trees to be a fire hazard
Convenience factor – available whenever your ready to get your season started, needs no water, less maintenance
Least expensive option over lifetime of tree
Can be bought vintage (aluminum tree anyone?) which can be a green option
Can be dismantled and branches “upcycled” into wreaths, garlands or outdoor decor
Can be donated at the end of use to a donation store to find a new home

Cons:
Almost all artificial trees are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) a non-biodegradable, petroleum-derived plastic, a non-recyclable toxin
Most older trees have been found to have dangerous levels of lead contamination
They cannot be traditionally recycled – anywhere.
Almost all artificial trees are made in China, as a result consumers must be aware of more lenient environmental practices, as well as the long distance shipping consequences.

Fresh Cut Tree: (fc) / Pre-cut Tree: (pc)

Pros:
Fresh cut trees support local businesses.
A tree farm it is considered a sustainable agricultural resource (after all we aren’t cutting down trees from a forest – they would not exist apart from the tree farm)
Each tree cut down is replaced with at least one seed.
Trees that are not chosen continue to grow becoming home to wildlife and providing oxygen.
Less likely than pre-cut to catch fire (fc)
Uses no industrial processes therefore causes no hazardous waste
Most cities have tree composting programs which will “recycle” your tree at the end of the season
Easily composted

Cons:
Some tree framers use pesticides on tree crops
People may experience uncomfortable feelings associated with chopping down a tree
Trees may have to travel long distances to the lot causing negative environmental implications (pc)
Dry trees pose a higher risk of fire hazard (pc)

DIY Tree:

Pros:
Reuse items you have or collect to construct your own tree
Your ingenuity will delight (and maybe inspire) your holiday guests
Trees are totally sustainable – no negative environmental impacts
If you don’t have room for a 3d tree you can diy a 2d one
A unique Christmas tree that is totally you

Cons:
Some may feel nostalgic or longing for a more traditional tree. (any Charlie Browns out there?)

As designers we love seeing everyone’s individual style on display at Christmas time. What type of tree do you have? Whats your favorite decorating scheme? Leave us comments (or even better) links to photos of your Christmas decor!

]]>https://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/o-christmas-tree-decorating-inspiration-for-every-style-and-how-to-pick-the-right-tree/feed/1ecoluxestudios2921194165 Steps and Patience to Wowhttps://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/5-steps-and-patience-to-wow/
https://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/5-steps-and-patience-to-wow/#respondSun, 25 Nov 2012 22:57:25 +0000http://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/?p=1365Read More]]>I have recently been working on a home in Colorado. My client is young, hip and modern and is looking for a clean mid century modern feel to her space. We both thought it would be a great idea to add a retro type pattern to her fireplace wall yet had a hard time finding the right color and scale. Problem? Maybe for some but I decided to just do it myself! Here are the steps you need to take in order to create a fabulous focal art wall and do not forget your patience!

Steps:
1. The first step is to measure the wall and get a feel for what scale the pattern needs to be.
2. Draw out the pattern on posterboard and cut out with an exacto knife.

Pattern Cut to Stencil Out at Scale

3. Trace the pattern onto the wall. Use a pencil and have an eraser handy just in case. Best eraser to have is the pink rubber one (not the one on the pencil itself).

Trace Out the Pattern

4. Once the pattern is drawn and you are happy with the look it is time to paint. Here is where patience and time come into play. This requires A LOT of work and a steady hand. Take breaks when you have to because you will start to make mistakes. It could be helpful to have a partner help.
5. Taking a small artist brush, once you have finished all the painting, go in and fine tune any mistakes or shakiness out.

Sure we might be vegetarians, but we still enjoy Thanksgiving as much as the next guy! There are a lot of wonderful things about Thanksgiving and we love that it is one of the only holiday’s that refuses to be commercialized. As a result of that most people have begun to just skip over the whole fall, Thanksgiving decor and jump straight into Christmas. But we think there is still room for both!

Being grateful, spending time with loved ones and creating wonderful memories are what Thanksgiving is all about. But as designers we can’t deny we like when things look pretty. I am convinced that incorporating unique touches is a great way to create lasting memories. As a child I had a special aunt who wrapped our Christmas presents in a really exciting way each year. Sometimes they were glamorous, other times they were trendy, but we looked forward to seeing that fancy wrapping paper even more than the gift inside! With this in mind we suggest really dressing up your table to make your meal even more special. In the design world we call this a “tablescape.”

The best thing about a tablescape is you don’t have to buy anything! Just look around your home for inspiration. Mix and match cloth napkins or china create a chic bohemian look. Books, folded paper place cards and paper flowers showcase your love for ephemera. If you have a collection add it to the table and theme out your Thanksgiving dinner this year!

Of course you can’t forget about the kids. Have a craft available that all the young ones can do together. We love the simplicity of a paper chain, children and teens can easily execute this project without any help. You can even have all the members of the family write what they are thankful for on a strip of paper and have the kids assemble the final decoration. Don’t forget to hang it somewhere prominent when they are finished so everyone can enjoy the design!

We hope you find some inspiration in the images to make your Thanksgiving extra special! We wish you a great beginning to the holiday season. Tell us about your Thanksgiving traditions in the comments. What do you do to make your holiday’s even more memorable?

]]>https://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/happy-thanksgiving-family-food-design/feed/0ecoluxestudios1186aTips for Being the Next Design Star!https://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/tips-for-being-the-next-design-star/
https://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/tips-for-being-the-next-design-star/#commentsFri, 16 Nov 2012 22:28:34 +0000http://ecoluxestudios.wordpress.com/?p=1336Read More]]>
So some of you know that I had auditioned last year for HGTV’s Design Star 2012 season. There were over 1,500 applicants and 50 were chosen to fly to NYC and meet the producers in the semi final challenges. I was one of the lucky ones to go this far and although I did not make it on to the season I have some great advice for any aspiring Design Stars out there!

Its all in the video!
1. You have to have a dynamic video that showcases your personality and talent.
2. Wear bright colors, no stripes, no logos, and look polished.
3. Be your witty charming self. You have to show that you can give off charisma if you want to be on TV.
4. Showcase your work, give a tour of a space that you designed and your inspiration.

If you make it to NYC…

What to expect:
The auditions are held at the Food Network studio in Chelsea Market and it is run tighter than Fort Knox.
You are not allowed to see any of the other contestants and are constantly guided by someone. Here are the steps I went through.

1. Green Room – interviewed on camera by a casting agent and then asked to fill out a questionnaire.
2. Design Time – You are brought into a room with a table full of fabrics (not good ones btw), finishes, product images etc. You are given an image of a badly designed space and you have 15 mins to create a design board and possibly a floor plan. When time is up it is up.
**DO NOT waste time thinking about what you think the producers will want to see. Listen to your gut. You got here on your talent and that is what they want to see!
3. Go Time – You are guided (board in tow) onto a set. In the room will be a table of producers, head casting agents, cameramen, the whole 9 yards. You are asked to present you work as they flip through your portfolio. This is nerve wrecking because there is no feedback at all. After you are done presenting they ask you a bunch of questions and some are hard to answer on the spot.

Top Question:
– What makes you different from other designers?
– Why should we choose you for Design Star?
– What is your unique take on design?
– How well do you work with other in a competitive environment?

4. Post Interview – After your “audition” you are taken into another room for another post interview. Here you have to talk in complete present tense, NOT EASY! Have you ever wondered how people talk about things on reality TV as they are happening? Well…this is how.
ie: I am walking into the studio and I my heart is pounding. I look over at the table…
5. Background Please – Lastly you are taken into the depths of the building where a private eye goes through every nook and cranny of your life. They knew about my fake name I used when I was little to get magazines my mom thought were too old for me lol! (Nothing dirty!)
6. Peace Out – You are then escorted out of the studio and to a car that rushes you back to the airport. No time for sight seeing.
7. Hold Your Breath – You have to wait to be contacted as to whether you make it or not. They are pretty quick in this aspect. Expect a 2 week wait or so.